Understanding How Payroll in Singapore Works
Whether you are establishing a company in Singapore or joining a well-established organization, it is important to be familiar with the way payroll in Singapore works. In terms of tax incentives and overall payroll procedures, Singapore is considered one of the best countries in the world that help people to build successful businesses.
The primary reason why a lot of companies are attracted to Singapore is the simplicity of its legal and financial systems. Moreover, companies have a lot of options when it comes to outsourcing accounting services in Singapore.
In this article, you will be getting information about all of the essential aspects of payroll services in Singapore.
1. Incorporation
The first step in establishing a company in Singapore is to register your business and incorporate it. ACRA is the organization responsible for handling the incorporation process. Companies can be incorporated as a local company or as a foreign branch of an organization.
It is necessary for the company to have a registered name and office in Singapore, along with one authorized representative.
Generally, foreigners don’t need to obtain government approval separately to do business in Singapore. Singapore law even allows 100% foreign ownership of most types of businesses.
2. Employment
Singapore’s Employment Act deals with the rights and duties of the employees when they are under contract with an employer. The Employer Act is quite clear and states that every contract of service must have a designation title, job scope, working hours, salary package, benefits, code of conduct, and termination. Companies need to be fully familiar with the Employment Act and comply with it. Otherwise, they can face severe fines.
Payroll services are mainly associated with employment, so it is recommended that companies outsource their accounting services in Singapore so that professionals with complete knowledge of the legal rules and regulations are able to provide such services.
Another important aspect of employment is that many companies in Singapore tend to hire foreign employees to have a diverse workforce. In such a situation, it is necessary that the foreigner holds a valid work visa to work in Singapore. However, the exact rules of such an arrangement can greatly differ from industry to industry.
3. Tax
An employer in Singapore is not obligated to withhold taxes from the employee’s salary. In other words, the employees are responsible for paying their taxes. However, employers must provide employee remuneration returns to employees.
Singapore is also known for a number of tax incentives. These incentive and tax schemes play an integral role in payroll services.
4. Leave
Under Singapore law, paid annual leave is available for those employees who have been working at a company for at least three months. Moreover, the number of days of leave that an employee gets is compensated with the number of services they have given to the company.
Employees in Singapore are also entitled to take paid sick leave after working for three months at a company. Generally, the maximum amount of leave an employee can take is 60 days per year.
Singapore also has clear laws about maternity and paternity leave. If you choose to outsource accounting services, the professionals will consider all of these factors while providing efficient and reliable payroll services.
Reasons for Investment in Singapore
Other than considering the technical aspects of payroll services, many people also wonder why they should invest in Singapore. Following are some of the reasons that show why payroll and the overall financial system of Singapore are considered to be a reliable ground for business:
- Singapore has certainly become the international trade hub. Companies in Singapore get the advantage of strong communication and transport networks, including air and sea.
- The corporate tax rate in Singapore is 17%. As a result, a lot of international investors are interested in getting the benefits of establishing their business in Singapore.
- Singapore has a well-developed economy and leads the world in various sectors like manufacturing and financial services.
- Singapore enjoys fair and transparent working procedures with proper rules and regulations in place to ensure maximum transparency.
In a Nutshell
These are some of the most important factors about payroll services that you should keep in mind in Singapore. Generally, you should consider outsourcing accounting services so that you can get help from experienced accountants and payroll managers in managing all of these important procedures.
For more information, feel free to get in touch with us.
